Wanyonyi said the government remains committed to ensuring that students are able to access higher education without unnecessary interruptions caused by financial challenges.
By releasing the funds early in the academic period, the Universities Fund hopes to allow universities to plan better and provide services needed by students.
Public universities in Kenya depend largely on government funding to operate effectively.
These funds help institutions pay for teaching resources, administrative operations, student services, and other academic activities.
When funds are delayed, universities sometimes struggle to maintain services, which can affect learning and research.
The acting CEO explained that the Sh4.2 billion forms part of the government’s broader support plan for higher education during the current financial year.
He noted that the disbursement targets students who have recently been admitted through the national placement process and are beginning their studies in various degree programs.
“This funding is part of the 2025/2026 financial year allocation meant to support newly enrolled students in public universities,” Wanyonyi said.
He added that the funds will be shared among different institutions based on the number of students admitted and their academic programs.
The move comes at a time when Kenya’s higher education sector continues to expand as more students qualify for university admission each year.
With the rising number of learners completing secondary education, universities are experiencing increasing pressure to provide adequate facilities, lecturers, and learning materials.
Education experts say timely funding is essential to help universities maintain quality education.
Adequate financial support ensures that lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and other learning facilities are properly maintained for students.
The government has in recent years introduced several reforms aimed at improving the financing of higher education.
These changes are meant to ensure that funds are distributed more fairly and that students from different economic backgrounds can access university education.
Many students rely on government funding programs to meet the cost of their studies.
Without such support, some learners would find it difficult to continue with their education due to the high cost of tuition and other academic expenses.